Our Reviews

"Amazing Ireland Guided Vacation"

Douglas K.

Minneapolis

The best part of our 8-day tour of Ireland? Tour director Joan.

Joan is a perfect blend of group director, logistics manager, guide, travel buddy and fun entertainer. Her knowledge is wide and her demeanor is lively, always full of sunshine (even if the weather is not). Joan clearly understands group dynamics with the ability to easily and subtly adjust an itinerary when warranted.

Each day of our tour included historical insight from Joan with her personal lore added for context, answers to every type of question with interesting explanations, and even an occasional folk song beautifully sung. When she granted us entry into the cathedral in Killarney - her home church and school when growing up - the experience became personal and moving.

I'm certain every member of our group of 17 wants to travel again with Joan because of her gracious and fun expertise. Thank you Joan and Authentic Vacations!

"Our confidence in Authentic Vacations is sky-high"

Steve P.

Acton, MA

We returned back from our Italy vacation last week and we just wanted to thank you for what you and your team at Authentic Vacations set up for us.

As in our previous trip with your company, EVERY single private transfer and tour was ready and waiting for us -- everything went without a hitch (excepting our flight to Italy which was delayed for 22 hours and cost us to lose a full day -- no fault of your company). The hotels were incredible; some of the largest rooms I've ever seen in Europe, and the service at each was precisely what one would want; doting without being intrusive. The LivTours excursions were mostly good. The guides were very knowledgeable and hospitable at each one. The only exception was the Colosseum tour in Rome, where we felt we didn't get a tour that was commensurate with the cost (it only took us to the Colosseum floor and was only about 90 min. long -- not the 3 hour tour we expected).

However, that one criticism certainly doesn't diminish the fact that we enjoyed the trip of a lifetime. We met our last remaining Italian cousins in Ascoli Piceno, who brought us up in the mountains to the village where my grandfather was born, a day we shall never forget.

There was one destination that totally surprised us; the little city in Marche called Ascoli Piceno. This is the largest city near my Grandfather's village of Pretare, about 15 miles inland from the Adriatic coast. You found a hotel for us there called the Palazzo dei Mercanti, which was built in the 1400s and was redeveloped about 15 years ago as an upscale hotel. The hotel and its staff were marvelous (even calling our cousins for us, who speak only Italian), with modern amenities in a building with ancient ambience. But the real charm here is the city itself. Ascoli has a piazza, the Piazza del Popolo, which is almost completely untouched by the modern world. It has all the charm of Florence without the crowds. If one wants to enjoy Old Italy and they're on the East coast of Italy, this is a must see.

After two trips with you, our confidence in Authentic Vacations is sky-high. Every little detail is done, and we're able to enjoy our trip without worry. From the tickets for the excursions right down to the chocolates on the pillows at night, you provide a complete service for your customers. Please pass along our thanks to the group you have in Italy, as I know they played a large part in making the arrangements. They were even able to switch our tour of Pompeii/Mt. Vesuvius to a different day when our plane arrived a day late! And Jen, our agent, was very helpful in giving us the information we needed to make the claim with our travel insurance. You folks are the best!

"Wonderful 30th Anniversary Trip"

Steve M.

Lititz, PA, USA

We had the trip of a lifetime to Ireland (the Enchanted Ireland trip). It was an incredible small-group tour, and Joan our guide is knowledgeable, fun, and kept us on a good schedule without being rigid. As a native of Killarney, Joan shared stories, sang us songs, and truly provided a customized experience that we could not have gotten with a large group tour in a coach.

So thankful that we made this investment and trusted our trip to Authentic Vacations!

"Amazing Small Guided Vacation in Ireland"

Debra B.

Michigan

We were going to go with a big tour but we were told about Authentic Vacations and boy are we glad we changed our minds!

This wonderful trip went beyond our expectations. Joan made us feel so welcomed and we not only saw so many incredible places, she made sure we were informed as well. We are looking forward to going back to Ireland and hopefully Joan is our guide.

"Wonderful time in Ireland"

Larry B.

Michigan

Wonderful time in Ireland, with Joan as our guide it was such a great time. She is such a wonderful person, her great stories and knowledge of everything was incredible.

"This trip exceeded every expectation"

Jaime R.

Virginia

My daughter and I went on the Grand and Gallant 10-day tour to Scotland through Jennifer, and we cannot say enough about the trip from start to finish. From the moment we booked until we landed back home, everything was smooth, seamless, and exactly as expected.

Our tour guide, Cal, was an absolute pleasure. His passion for Scotland’s history and heritage was infectious, and he kept our group of 15 engaged and entertained every step of the way. I still find myself missing his uplifting energy and positivity in the mornings—he truly made the experience unforgettable.

Our bus driver, Paul, was equally amazing. Not only did he keep us safe and on schedule, but he also shared his warmth and kindness throughout the journey. Getting to know him and hearing about his life in Scotland was a highlight in itself.

And Scotland—what a breathtaking country. Authentic Vacations put together the perfect itinerary, balancing iconic sights with authentic local experiences. The pace was lively, which made the 10 days fly by, but we loved every minute. There were moments when the beauty around us felt almost otherworldly—as if each day was a day in heaven. The accommodations were comfortable, and while the unusually warm weather made us wish for air conditioning, bringing along a small travel fan solved the problem nicely.

Overall, this trip exceeded every expectation. From the outstanding team of Jennifer, Cal, and Paul to the beauty of Scotland itself, it was a journey we will treasure forever. I cannot recommend Authentic Vacations and this tour highly enough.